Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger Gravy is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This creamy sauce is perfect for smothering over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, pasta, rice, or even fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe showcases rich flavors and easy preparation. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a meal that satisfies everyone’s cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This Hamburger Gravy comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of beef broth and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite sides.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over mashed potatoes, rice, or as a hearty topping for biscuits—perfect for any meal!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: With its savory taste and comforting aroma, this dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Freezable Convenience: Make extra and freeze half for an easy meal option later in the month!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools in your kitchen can make cooking this Hamburger Gravy even easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: Provides ample space for browning the meat and mixing ingredients without spilling.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet’s surface while ensuring even cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are vital for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your gravy.
• Knife and cutting board: Essential for quickly chopping onions and garlic to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

Ingredients

A quick and easy creamy Hamburger Gravy that is delicious over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, pasta, rice, and buttermilk biscuits. Double the recipe and freeze half for a meal next month.

For the Gravy

• 1½ lbs. ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 2 pinches nutmeg
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh Italian parsley for garnish

How to Make Hamburger Gravy

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
1. Cook until halfway done.
2. Add the finely chopped onions.
3. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low.
1. Add minced garlic to the skillet.
2. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously to avoid burning.

Step 3: Create the Base

Melt butter in the skillet with the browned beef mixture.
1. Sprinkle in the flour while stirring constantly.
2. Cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream until smooth.

Step 4: Season Your Gravy

Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, and nutmeg into the gravy mixture.
1. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
2. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
3. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or chopped fresh Italian parsley before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Hamburger Gravy over your favorite side dishes!

How to Serve Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger gravy is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re serving it over comfort foods or looking for something a bit different, these suggestions will ensure your meal shines.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base, soaking up the rich flavors of the gravy for a satisfying meal.

With Egg Noodles

• Soft egg noodles are excellent for holding onto the gravy, making each bite delicious and hearty.

On Rice

• Serve hamburger gravy over fluffy rice for a quick and filling dish that’s great for busy weeknights.

Inside Buttermilk Biscuits

• Pouring hamburger gravy over freshly baked buttermilk biscuits adds a southern twist that’s both comforting and indulgent.

With Pasta

• Combine hamburger gravy with your favorite pasta to create a unique take on traditional Italian dishes.

As a Dip

• Use hamburger gravy as a savory dip for breadsticks or toast, perfect for gatherings or casual dinners.

How to Perfect Hamburger Gravy

To ensure your hamburger gravy turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish lighter while still retaining great flavor.
• Cook Thoroughly: Make sure to brown the meat completely before adding other ingredients. This enhances the overall taste.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker gravy, simply add more flour during the cooking process. For thinner gravy, add extra broth.
• Season Well: Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A pinch of salt or pepper can elevate flavors dramatically.
• Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley not only enhance presentation but also add freshness to each bite.
• Make It Ahead: Hamburger gravy freezes well. Consider doubling the recipe to enjoy later on busy days!

Best Side Dishes for Hamburger Gravy

Hamburger gravy pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mashed Potatoes
   Classic creamy mashed potatoes are ideal for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
2. Green Beans
   Steamed green beans provide a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the gravy.
3. Cornbread
   Sweet cornbread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of savory hamburger gravy.
4. Roasted Vegetables
   A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal while contrasting nicely with the sauce.
5. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the creaminess of hamburger gravy well.
6. Baked Potatoes
   Top baked potatoes with hamburger gravy for an easy and filling option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hamburger Gravy can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Wrong Meat Choice: Using a lean meat may result in a dry gravy. Opt for ground beef with some fat for flavor and creaminess.
• Not Browning the Meat Properly: Failing to brown the ground beef will lead to a bland taste. Make sure to cook until browned for depth of flavor.
• Skipping the Flour Cooking Step: If you skip cooking the flour with the meat, your gravy will have a raw taste. Always cook it for at least two minutes.
• Overlooking Seasoning: Neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your gravy flat. Always season as you go, tasting before serving.
• Using Cold Liquids: Adding cold broth or cream can cause lumps. Warm them up beforehand for a smoother texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Hamburger Gravy in an airtight container.
• It lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hamburger Gravy

• Portion out the gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hamburger Gravy

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place gravy in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hamburger Gravy?

Hamburger Gravy is a creamy sauce made from cooked ground beef, flour, and broth. It’s often served over mashed potatoes or noodles.

How do you make Hamburger Gravy thicker?

To thicken Hamburger Gravy, allow it to simmer longer without a lid or add more flour mixed with broth to reach your desired consistency.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version of Hamburger Gravy while still maintaining delicious flavors.

How do you store leftover Hamburger Gravy?

Store leftover Hamburger Gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for later use.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Gravy recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or biscuits. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables or spices according to your taste!